In life, we take on many different roles. A woman may be a wife, mother, and sister, as well as a daughter. When it comes to being a Christian, we are described as disciples and brethren (Acts 11:26; Rom. 8:12). A male Christian can be a preacher, an elder, as well as a brother (cf. 1 Pet. 5:1-2, 9). In this article we wish to focus upon three more descriptions given to Christians: saint, servant, and soldier.
When a man is living in sin, he is “joined” to the world and separate from God (cf. Isa. 59:1-2). However, when he obeys the gospel of Jesus Christ, he is called out of the world and set apart to God, sanctified (1 Pet. 1:22; Jn. 17:17). Thus, he becomes a saint (Rom. 1:7; Acts 9:13). Saints are not those who are already dead, but living. They are dead to the world, but alive to God (cf. Gal. 6:14). He is precious to God, being a part of the “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people” (1 Pet. 2:9).
Further, everyone is the servant of someone or something. Those who live in the world and according to its lust are servants of Satan and sin (2 Pet. 2:18-19). When one becomes a Christian, he is a slave of righteousness (Rom. 6:18). He recognizes the Lord as His Master and is obedient to His commands (Matt. 6:24). His servitude is not a burdensome one, but a liberation (1 Jn. 5:3; Jn. 8:32; Matt. 11:28-30). Instead of a cruel master, the Christian is a servant of the Lamb of God Who loved him enough to die for him (Jn. 15:13).
Finally, every Christian is to adorn himself with the armor of God and engage in the battle against the wicked one (Eph. 6:10-17). The fight is long and hard, but with the leadership of the Prince of Peace, King of kings, and Lord of lords, victory is assured and the reward immeasurable (Rev. 17:14; Phil. 4:13). The soldier will recognize his duty to cast down “arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,” while loving the enemy (2 Cor. 10:4; Matt. 5:44). Remember, one will either fight on the side of the Savior or Satan — there is no neutrality (Matt. 12:30).
Steven F. Deaton